What is the job of a retail buyer?
Retail buyers identify, select and purchase stock that matches the retailer’s requirements. Graduates often become buyers after successfully completing a retail management training scheme. Buyers are responsible for sourcing, developing and introducing product ranges that suit their stores and customer base.
Who do retail buyers report to?
A Retail Buyer often works independently, but will report to store management.
What position is a buyer?
A Buyer, or Purchasing Agent, is responsible for purchasing materials, supplies or equipment for a business. Their duties include negotiating deals with suppliers, researching possible item selections and taking inventory of current products.
How do I become a retail buyer?
Use these steps to become a retail buyer:
- Earn a high school diploma. Complete your high school education by earning a high school diploma.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree.
- Gain experience.
- Earn your certification.
- Stay up-to-date on industry and market trends.
Is a retail buyer a good job?
A career as a retail buyer can be rewarding, with diverse and interesting day-to-day job requirements. Retail buyers are responsible for finding, negotiating, and purchasing merchandise sold in stores. It is a fast-paced job that requires knowledge of the retail industry as well as the basics of business.
What makes a good retail buyer?
Retail buyers need a sense of retail and product trends and strong analytical experience. Buyers should have computer skills and a working knowledge of resource planning and forecasting. Excellent leadership, negotiating, and planning skills also are a must. Previous retail experience often is required.
What do you need to know about being a retail buyer?
You’ll need to consider several factors when making purchasing decisions including customer demand, including price, quality and availability. Market trends, store policy and financial budgets are other considerations and restraints. You’ll also source new merchandise and review existing items to ensure products remain competitive.
Are there Vacancies in the retail buying sector?
Specialist recruitment agencies such as CASTUK and Michael Page have vacancies within the retail buying sector. If you’re unsuccessful in gaining entry on to a training scheme, it’s possible to work elsewhere in retail, such as on the shop floor and then gain an internal promotion to retail buying.
What are the working hours for a retail buyer?
You’ll often have to meet very tight deadlines and as a result working hours will frequently extend beyond 9am to 5pm. Early starts or late finishes may be especially common when travelling to trade fairs or fashion shows. Although it’s not common freelance work is possible, especially in London, once you have experience.
Where are the highest paid retail buyers in the US?
The bookstore, paper product, e-commerce, hardware, and apparel industries have the highest concentration of retail buyers. Computer, electric power, telecommunications, industrial machinery, and apparel retail buyers are among the highest paid.
